Are dentists supposed to do the head and neck (cancer screening) exam? Why do most don't?

[Jake45]

I've had a dentist recently feel my neck, back of neck and ears, face and checked my TMJ joints. It was weird. I never had that happened at a dental office before. Is this a "new" thing?

 

[honestdoc]

Cancer screen is part of the dental exam. The palpation of the head and neck is to check for tumors and abnormal growths as well as checking inside the mouth, tongue, tonsilar areas, etc. Risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption are also considered and discussed.